Policies & Fees

What We Do in a Counseling Session

Like medical health, mental health treatment involves listening to your concerns and identifying your symptoms, measuring various aspects of your mental capacity, and assessing internal and external factors that might be contributing to the problem.  I utilize the DSM-V & ICD-10 to devise a psychological diagnosis. However, a diagnosis in counseling could be focused on events in your life and does not necessarily imply that you have a "problem" or psychopathology. Either way, gaining feedback about what could be happening in your life can be relieving.  Then together we can strategize on how to move forward.

Why I Do Not Accept Insurance

I am a fee-for-service (also referred to as an out-of-network provider), which means that if you want to use your insurance you will need to pre-pay for your session and then submit the receipt for potential partial reimbursement from your insurance company (check with your insurance company for details).  The benefit of out-of-network is that you can choose from a larger variety of potentially more specialized counselors.  It also means that you will not receive a diagnosis on your medical record (required for insurance); and that I do not share any information about what we talk about with your insurance company or any other third party without your permission.

Session Times & Activities

A counseling session is limited to 50 minutes long.  Our first session together is called an intake session, which is limited to 90 minutes long.  My typical approach is generally structured, with a prescriptive plan for making change, and homework/reading/skill-development in between our sessions.  However, in many situations I could also serve solely as a supportive and impartial listener who could provide candid, yet supportive feedback, without the rigidity of an agenda. I am open to either style, as long as our time together provides you therapeutic benefit. 

Payment, 24-Hour Cancellation, and No-Show Policies

I require a minimum of 24 hours (1-day) notice to cancel or change your appointment without being charged a late cancellation fee.  Late cancellations will result in being charged for the session.  If you do not show up for your appointment you will also be charged the full session rate.  All sessions are pre-paid via check, credit card, or cash at the time when you book your appointment.  Pre-paid sessions are good for one-year from the time of payment.

Communication Procedures, Technology, and Electronic-Communication

I check email only once daily on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.  For a faster response, you can call or text me during the week.  I try to respond to calls and text messages within 24 hours, but there may be times that I am unable to respond quickly.  If you are experiencing a mental health crisis you should call 988.  If you are experiencing a mental health emergency you should call 911 or go to your nearest hospital emergency room.  If you call or text over the weekend or holiday, I will not be able to get back to you until the next business day.  Please note that email is not considered a confidential form of communication, therefore please limit your email to information regarding scheduling or other non-sensitive questions.

Virtual Telehealth Counseling via Phone, Internet, Video Conference

I currently offer telemental health counseling in select areas.  This practice is limited to client issues that are appropriate in those settings.  I am happy to consult via phone or email to determine if telemental health counseling is appropriate for your situation.

Complimentary Phone Consultation

If you are considering becoming a client and would like to discuss details about my approach and process, I am available for a 15 minute complimentary phone or face-to-face consultation.  Phone consultation for current clients is available during normal business hours and depending on length, will be billed as a consultation or counseling session.

Confidentiality and Privacy

I take confidentiality very seriously and am legally bound to keep everything we talk about confidential, with the exception of these four things.  I cannot keep confidential anything you share that involves: 1) harming yourself, 2) harming someone else, 3) harming a minor, or 4) harming a vulnerable adult (i.e. someone incapacitated, with a disability, or who is elderly).  The records that I take from each of our sessions focus primarily on diagnostic criteria and treatment strategies.  I try my best to avoid documenting any sensitive information, unless that information is essential to your treatment. 

Your HIPAA Patient Privacy Rights

HIPAA stands for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.  Healthcare providers are required to handle your Protected Healthcare Information (PHI) in an ethical and fair manner.  You can learn more about your specific rights at this link:  https://www.privacyrights.org/consumer-guides/hipaa-privacy-rule-patients-rights

My Non-Judgmental Philosophy

This profession requires significant humility, largely because it opens your eyes to the vast, often contrasting differences between cultures in our world.  I believe that your life is yours to walk and with all of the factors that contribute to who you are, I have no right, nor interest, in judging the decisions you make.  I may share with you potential consequences that could result from your choices and if you ask for my opinion I will be honest about how and why I might make a certain choice if it were my choice to make.  The bottom line is, I believe that even when we are at our worst, each one of us is a human being who deserves dignity and respect. 

Hours of Operation

I am currently accepting new clients beginning September 17, 2024 on Tuesday or Thursday between the hours of 9:00am - 5:00pm.

Fees for Service